It was reported Taarabt had told Loftus Road chiefs he will not play in the same team again as his controversial captain. But a source, currently holidaying with Taarabt in Marrakech, called The Sun to rubbish the claims. He said: “Adel is furious. He has no idea where the story has come from and he categorically denies saying any of it. “He has never said that he would not play alongside Joey again. “Adel has played alongside Joey many times this season. He respects him as his captain, a player and his team-mate.” Barton is likely to keep his job because Rangers have been told by their lawyers they would have to pay up his contract — worth £11million — to sack him.
You sure you don't mean smoke and a pancake? [video=youtube;JjLmY0SxoWM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjLmY0SxoWM[/video]
What a great motivating factor for Barton next season. The management wants him out but won't stump up the money to get rid of him, and the players don't want him on the pitch (even if they deny that in the press).
Sure, a false quote (it's The Sun after all). But Adel respecting Joey as captain, player and team mate? Yeah, right...
All 'press' relating to football is now ego and agents. Sells papers, fuels web chat, helps with salary demands, not real, where is football?
Just hope all this negativity can be resolved before pre-season starts. The players should all stick together and get behind Barton.Unite as a team ffs. Just as they did for Ferdinand.
There's a world of difference between Anton Ferdinand being racially abused, and the Barton situation. I cannot believe management won't move heaven and earth to try and move the guy on. They may have to subsidise him on a loan to another club if they can't get an unconditional sale. It might even be worth paying a club to take him and his wage bill (never heard of it being done) If he stays, he surely has to lose the captaincy. And I can see Joey being a disruptive influence in that event. He won't just take a back seat.
Well if the board are gonna get shot of him i hope they do it asap so we can move forward and concentrate on getting the squad settled in time for the start of the season.
He is Noth African/Moroccan Arabic - its just the way they speak, it's really nice. I don't think cap'n would be too upset. COYRsssssssss